Keyboard mechanism for perforating-machines.



PATENTED NOV. 12

J. S. BANCROFT.

APPLICATION FILED 001329, 1903. RENEWED MAY 29, 1906.

R mm Ta Q KEYBOARD MECHANISM FOR PERPORATING MACHINES.

k S E T w L PATENTED NOV. 12, 1907.

J. s. BANGROFT.

KEYBOARD MECHANISM FOR PERFORATING MACHINES.

APYLIOATION FILED OUT. 29, 1903. RENEWED MAY 29, 1906.

WITNESS/5.5:

Q {7 All a} m A. omey PATENTED NOV. 12, 1907.

J. S. BANGROFT. KEYBOARD MECHANISM FOR PBRFORATING MACHINES.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

[/VVlZ/VTOR APPLICATION IILED 001. 29. 1903. nmwnwzm MAY 29, 1906.

No. 871,080. I PATENTED NOV. 12, 1907.

J.S.BANGR0PT. KEYBOARD MECHANISM FOR PERFORATING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED 001229. 1903. RENEWED MAY 29, 1005. 5 SHEETS-SHBBT 4'.

S noenfoz vNo. 871,080. PATENTED NOV. 12. 1907.

- J. S. BANGROPT.

KEYBOARD MECHANISM FOR PERFORATING MACHINES APPLICATION FILED 0031.29, 1903. RENEWED MAY 29, 1905.

5 SHEETSSHBET 6.

um/"ton g aid 6 1m fill M20" Witness A Lm/W I M UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN SELLERS BANCROFT, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR 'TO LANSTON MONOTYPE MACHINE COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA.

KEYBOARD MECHANISM FOR PERFORATING-MACHINES.

Patented Nov. 12, 1907.

Application filed October 29. 1903. Serial No. 179.048. Renewed May 29. 1905. Serial No. 262.902.

To all whom it may concern:

Be, it .lmown thatI, .IOIIN SELLERS BANCROF'I, of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Keyboard Mechanisms for Perforating-Machines; and I do'hereby,declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, forming apart of this specification, and to the figures and letters of reference marked thereon.

This invention relates to a key board mechanism especially designed for use in connection with recordstrip perforating machines, but alike applicable to pther varieties of keyboard machines.

Keyboard perforators, as heretofore generally constructed, possess structural limitations tending to obstruct rather than facilitate the most convenient or' desirable arrangement of the characters represented by the keys. This is due, in a measure, to the circumstance that the space-value of each type, as transmitted to the line measuring or recording mechanism, is determined Iby.a single punch or combination of punches common to all types of the same space-value, hence the actuating: or transmitting devices are arranged in sets or groups each controlled-by keys representing a common space-value. As a result, the keys representing the same spacewalue are grouped together, and, while interchangeable, as to position, among 'themselves, they cannot be separated from their own group'and' Another object of the invention is to materially diminish'the number of valves employed in connection with machines of the monotype class for designating or bringing into action such of the punches as are so propriated to individual keys, and this is accomplished by providing each punch with a control valve, and coupling the latter, with the keys inv such manner that each key will actuate the valve or valves representing the punch or punches corresponding therewith, whereby not only is the mechanism greatly simplified but the loss of pressure incident to leakage is diminished. The invention also includes minor features relating to the construction andarrangements of parts,

tial tdp plan view of the permutation system and connections, with the keybank removed. Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the connections. Fig. 5' is a perspective view of a portion of the permutation system. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate modifications of the permutation system. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one form of valve actuating bar. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the modified construction Fig. 6 illustrating the equipment for a single column of keys, but one key being shown in position to avoid obscuring underlying parts. Fig. 10 is a similar view with the valve actuating bar of Fig. 8 applied as. a substitute for the valve cross bar of Figs. 6 and 9. A Fig. 11 is a plan view of the modified construction Fig. 7 showing the equipment for a column with a single key of the series in position. Fig. 12 is a similar view embodying the modifiedvalve actuating bar of Figs. 8 and 10.

Like numerals designate corresponding parts in the several figures.

With the exception of the actuating and control mechanism intermediate the keys and the punching, measuring and indicating mechanisms, the machine illustrated is substantially that of Patent No. 654,115, with the improvements of Patent No.. 828,449 of August 14, 1906 applied thereto. It includes among its distinguishing features, a paper feed mechanism, a punching mechanism, a line measuring mechanism, a justification scale mechanism, a space type indicating mechanism and a resetting mechanism, all controlled by the keys of a keybank.

In the commercial machine there are two hundred and twenty five keys, thirty one punches and thirty two punch-bars, fourteen of the latter representing progressive degrees of adjustment, another fourteen representing corresponding adjustments in a transverse direction to the first, and, in addition, designating degrees of adjustment of the mold, while of 'the remaining four one is blank, one represents the justifying space type, and two the justification designating signals. Of the last named four, two operate upon the measuring devices, making sixtccn in all, and for purposes of description this group or series of sixteen punchbars is designated the space-value group in that they all operate upon and affect the movements of the line measuring mechanism.

In the prior machine each punch bar was provided with a motor, the latter, with one exception, 2', e., the

thispurpose, there being not less than two hundred and twenty five valves employed. According to this'arrangement the keys of each row or column controlled.

but a single space-value punch-bar or punch, hence the area available forthe distribution of characters on the keyboard was circumscribed; and, because of the multiplicity of valves, the waste of pressure, due to leakage, as well as the cost of construction, adjustment and maintenance was excessive. 1

Inasmuch as the present improvements have to vdo with the control elements rather than with the composition of the several mechanisms controlled, it is deemed sufficient for present purposes to designate the latter by their actuating members, such as the punch-bars l and the rocking frame 2, through which the motors act upon the punching and measuring mechanisms. Thus each punch-bar carries a projection or shoulder 3 for engaging the rocking frame 2, and, in addition, each bar of the spacervalue group is coupled to one of the series of stop-bars 4, of the line measuring mechanism. The paper feed is acted upon by the rocking frame 2, and the escapement of the line measuring mechanism, by the space-value group of punch bars acting alone or in conjunction with said rocking-frame. The punch-bar motors are arranged in two series on opposite sides of the punch-bars and each comprises a ,cylinder5 formed in a block 6 and containing a piston 7 engaging one arm of a bell-crank lever 8, the latter supported in bearings 9 on block 6 and having its other arm engaging a pin 10 on the punch-bar. The rear ends of the cylinders are closed by a plate 11 containing a port 12 for each cylinder and each port is con-- nected by a pipe with a separate control valve 13. These valves 13 (one for each motor and punch-bar, thirty two in all) are entirely independent of the keys and are preferably located in a common valve chamber 14 communicating, as through pipe 15, with the pressure supply, and each valve cooperates with two ports, the one 16, connected to the port 12 of one of the motor cylinders, and the other, 17, opening to the atmosphere. When in normal or inactive position each valve covers portslG and 17 placing them in communication and thus opening the ex'haustfor the motor; and when advanced to active position the valve uncovers'port l6v thereby admitting pressure to the motor and causing the operation of its punch-bar.

It is the ofiice of the finger keys to select and actuate such of the valves 13 as represent the characters or functions designated by the key operated, and in ordervthat this may be done Without regard to the special location of the key the following permutation system for controlling the valves has been devised, where- -by any key of the series may be utilized for operating any one or more of the punch-bars and register the space value of the type designated thereby, thus not only permitting any desired arrangement of the characters on the keybank but removing the limitations srnos'o actuator preferably in the form of a bar 18 guided to reciprocate longitudinally in supports 19; The several actuators-18, one for each valve, are disposed in parallel relation to one another and to a second set or series of similar bars 20, denominated permutation bars. equal in number to the keys of the keybank.

The keys, preferably arranged in series in parallel columns, are in the 'iorm of bell-crank levers 21, one

arm furnished with a designating finger piece or button 22 and the other with a cross-head 23, the latter prefen. ably bridging or extending over aseries of thepermutation bars (Fig. 3) in order that the same iorm of key lever may be used throughout the. column to engage any one of the'permutation bars pertaining thereto. Each permutation bar 20 is furnished with a shoulder or arm 24 in front of one of the crossheads 23, there being at least one permutation bar for each key lever.

The permutation bars are also each provided with one or more, usually two, designating'or selecting arms or bearings 25, 26, located and arranged in opposite relation to corresponding arms or bearings 27, 28 on the valve actuating bars 18.

Betyveen the opposing bearings 25, 26 and 27, 28, and extending across-the two series of bars 18 20. are arranged a plurality of interponents 29 30 for transmitting motion from one series ofbearing's to the other. In the present instance the interponents are represented by the bars 29, 80, each supported on arms 31, carried by a rock shaft 32, and to render the mechanism as a whole more compact the bearings as well as the interponents are divided into two groups or series and arranged in different planes, one group representing the space-value punch bars and their valves and the other the non-space value punch-bars. Thus the interponents 29 carried by the longer arms 31 together with bearings 25 and 27 cooperating therewith may represent the space-value group of valves. and the interponents 30 on the shorter arms together with the bearings 26 and 28 may represent the non space value punch bars, or vice versa.. This separation and designation of function as between the control mechanism for the two series of valves is of further advantage in assembling the mechanism, as it enables the operator to-distinguish at a glance by the location and length of the respective projections or bearings both the series and the number of each series which any given permutation bar will control.

The permutation, interponent and actuator bars are interponent 29, 30, controls any or all of the actuator bars 18. and is in turn subject to the. control of any or all the interponents, it is obvious that by a proper disposition of its engaging bearings 25, 26 any key, acting through its permutation bar, may be made to actuate any one or more of the series of valves and thus produce the designating signals or perforations on the record strip and admeasure the space-value of the type represented by or assigned-to said key; Thus by the use of thirty two control valvesin place of the two hundred and twenty five valves heretofore employed all thecombinations necessary for the production of the various signals can readily be produced.

instead of operating the valves of the space-value and non-space value groups of punch-bars through separate sets of actuating bars, interponents and selecting bearings, the valves pertaining to one group of punch-bars may be so operated and those of the other group actu ated more directly from the keys, by causing a series of permutation bars pertaining to a column of keys, or the keys ofa column, to engage an interponent common to such series and acting uponone of the valves. Thus in the modification illustrated in Figs. 6 and 9 wherein the'v alves pertaining to ,the two groups of punch bars are shown located in different planes, each valve 13 of one group is provided with an interponent in the form of a cross-bar 33 arranged intermediate the valve stem and the ends of the permutation bars, said crosshead extending across and being engaged by a plurality of permutation bars. In this case the number of valves would be the same, but the flexibility of the system would be diminished by reason of the fact that a plurality of permutation bars instead of each permutation bar would control each valve of one group. If the number of permutation bars acting upon a given valve coincides with the number of keys in a column the same result could be attained by providing each valve with an actuator bar 34, Fig. 8, provided with arms or bearings 35 equal in number to the keys in a column, said bars being located at intervals among the' permutation bars in such relation to the keys of the several columns that all'oi the keys in any one column will be caused to operate through its bar 34 to shift valve 13 of one group, while the same key will'operate through the permutation bar to shift a valve of the other' group as illustrated in Fig. 10.

The modification, Figs. 7, 11 and 12 is similar to that of Figs. 6, 9 and 10 with this exception, that the group of valves controlled through the selecting shoulders or bearings of the permutation bars are coupled with the shafts of the interponent bars, the supporting arms or. connections serving as the actuators for transmitting motion from the interponents to their respective valves,

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:-

1. In a perforating mechanism such as described the combination of the following elements to wit :two series of punch bars in parallel relation; a plurality of pistons and cylinders, one for each punch bar, disposed in planes transverse to and intersecting the punch-bars; and a series of hell-cranks, one for each punch bar, coupled with said pistons.

2. In a perforating machine such as described, the combination with the series of punch bars, of actuating devices therefor comprising two groups of pistons and cylinders disposed on opposite sides of the punch bars and at an angle thereto, and a bell crank-lever intermediate each piston and its punch bar.

3. In a perforating machine such as described, the combination with the punch bars of actuating devices therefor comprisingagroup of cylinders formed in a block, a plate closin g',;? 'he"rear ends of said cylinders, bearings supported upon 'theblock, pistons, and bell crank levers mounted in said bearings and each engaging a pin or shoulder on one of the punch bars, and being engaged by one of said pistons.

4. In a perforating machine such as described, the combination with the series of punch bars and the individual motors therefor, of the series of control valves, one for reach motor, a key bank, and an actuating mechanism intermediate said key-bank and the series of valves, provided with aseries of permutation devices.

5. ,In a perforating machine such as described provided with a series of punch bars, a series of individual motors and a valve for each motor, and in combination therewith a keybank provided with a series of keys, and an actuating mechanism or system intermediate the keys and valves comprising a serles of permutation bars, one for each 'key, a series of valve actuating bars, one for each valve, and a -series of interponents, the latter arranged intermediate series of interponents intermediate the permutation bars and the valve actuators.

7. In a perforating machine such as described the combination of the following elements, to wit; a plurality of punch bars; a control member for the measuring mechanism operntive'ly connected with the punch bars; a motor device for the punch bars provided with individual control means; a plurality of actuating devices or bars for said control means; a plurality of permutation bars each provided with selecting shoulders or arms; and a plurality or interponent bars intermediate the actuating devices for the punchbarncontrol means and said permutation bars.

8. In a perforating machine such as described the combination of the following elements, to wit; a plurality of punch-bars divided into two groups; a control member for the measuring devices and paper feed, operatively con nected to one of said groups of punch-bars; a motor for each punch-bar provided with a control valve; a plurality of actuators, one for each valve; :1 series of keys; a plu rality of permutation bars, one for each key provided with selecting shoulders, and a plurality of interponents intermediate said permutation hars and valve actuators.

9. In a keyboard mechanism for perforating machines such as described the combination of the following elements to wit; a plurality of control valves; an inclined series of actuator bars; a transverse series of pivoted interponent bars; a plurality of inclined permutation bars;

and a series of finger keys, each connected to one of the permutation bars.

10. In a keyboard mechanism for perforating machines such as described provided with a series of punch'bars divided into two groups the one representing position and the other position and space-value, and a controlled device for the measuring mechanism' coupled with the group of space-value punch bars and in combination therewith the following'eiements, to wit; a plurality of motors, one for cach punch bar; a valve for each motor provided with an actuator bar; a series of permutation bars; a series of interponents, each engaging one of the valve actuator bars; and a plurality of selecting shoulders applied to each permutation bar in position to engage an interponent coupled with the positioning punch bar group and another coupled with the positioning and space value group of punch bars.

11. In a keyboard mechanism for perforating machines such as described, the combination of the following elements, to wit; a series of parallel longitudinally movable actuator bars each furnished with an engaging shoulder, and comprising a plurality of groups distinguished by the difference in the height or projection of their engaging shoulders; a series of longitudinally movable permutation bars parallel with the actuator bars and provided with selecting shoulders of diiferent height or degree of projectlon; and two series of laterally movable interponent bars located between and extending laterally of the permutation and'actuator bars and in different planes.

12. In a keyboard mechanism for perforating machines such as described the combination of the following ele ments, to wit; a series of parallel longitudinally reciprocating actuator bars provided with engaging shoulders in two planes; a series of longitudinally reciprocating perf mutation bars parallel with the actuator bars and pro vided with selecting shoulders in two planes; .and two series of interponent bars extending in different planes transversely of and intermediate the permutation and ac tuator bars.

13. 'In a perforating machine such as described, the combination of the following elements, to wit; a series of of which one pertains to the group of punch, bars coupled with the measuring mechanism. w

14. In a perforating machine such as described the combination of the following elements, to wit; a series of punch bars; controlling devices fora line measuring mechanism coupled to a group of said punch-bars; a series of ,motors, one for each punch-bar; a valve for each motor;

a keybank; and connections intermediate the keys'and 'said series of valves for simultaneously actuating a plurality ofsaid valves including one of the series connected with the group of punch-bars coupled with the measuring mechanism.- I

15. In a perforating machine provided with a plurality of punches each coupled with a motor and in combination therewith, a'plurality of valves, one for each motor, an actuating device for each valve and a series of keys controlling each actuating device.

1.6. A pneumatic keyboard, comprising a series of depressible keys, a series of subjacent and parallel actuatingbars operated upon by the keys, a valve chamber or air trunk arranged outside the bank of keys, and valves in the valve chamber or air trunk connected to and operated in combination therewith a plurality of keys and means by said bars.

17. A pneumatic keyboard comprising a bank of keys and a marginal air trunk or valve chamber'outsidvthe range of the bank of keys, two seriesof valves in the air 'trunk or valve chamber andmeans for simultaneously oppressible keys, a series of subjacent parallel actuating bars operated upon by the keys, an air trunk arranged outside the bank of keys and having a plurality of outlets and valves connected to the actuating bars and controlling said outlets.

' 19. A pneumatic keyboard, comprising a series of depressible keys, a series of subj acent parallel actuating bars operated upon by the keys, an air trunk or valve chamber arranged outside the bank of keys, valves arranged in the air trunk or valve chamber and operated by the actuating bars, and means for returning said actuating'bars.

' 20. A pneumatic keyboard, comprising a series of depressibl'e keys, a series of subjacent parallel actuating bars operated uponby the keys, an air trunk or valve chamber arranged along the margin of and outside the bank of keys,

valves arranged in the air trunk or valve chamber and' a detachable cover for the trunk or chamber.

21. In a'pneumatic keyboard, the combination of a keybank, an air-pressure chamber contiguous thereto, a series of valves independent of the keys and each controlling an outlet from said air-pressure chamber, and meansfor simultaneously and selectively operating a plurality of said valves by the depression. of a single key.

,22. In a key actuated mechanism, the combination of two series of actuating bars and means for selectively operating an y'f'bar of one series simultaneously with any bar'of the other series, said bars being-adapted to actuate movable parts contiguous thereto. I

23. In a pneumatic keyboard, the combination of a valve,

ries of control valves, a plurality of keys, and means connecting said valves and keys 'so that any one or more of the valves may be operated by any key.

25. In a pneumatic keyboard provided with a plurality or punches each coupled with a. separate control valvel and for coupling two or more of said valves with individual keys.

Witnesses:

' Josnrn B. Cannon,

Mon'rmnn A. Jones.

JOHN SELLERS BANCROFT. 

